Review: 'London Paris New York'

Film: London Paris New York
Director: Anu Menon
Cast: Ali Zafar, Aditi Rao Hydari
Rating: **

 

When the trailer of London Paris New York was out, everybody, including this reviewer marvelled at the fresh pairing, peppy score and all the youthful promises that came with it. Expectations took flight, just like our lead pair Nikhil Chopra (Ali Zafar) and Lalitha Krishnan (Aditi Ro Hydari), but crash landed in the theatre. Hearts break.

 

If there was death by stereotype, Lalitha’s character would kill. Typically middle-class, Maharashrian Tam-Bram, nerdy, idealistic, positively timid. Nikhil is an aspiring filmmaker, rich, spoilt brat, son of a film producer. They bump into each at London, where Lalitha is stuck as she misses her flight to New York where she’s headed for further studies. They spend a day sight-seeing, announce to the Big Ben of their newly found “freedom” and then part ways. Lalitha insists they don’t call or chat until their next meeting which would be when Nikhil visits NY. He doesn’t.

 

They meet in Paris instead. Over seven years, the rendezvous continues for three nights in three cities. Thank heavens, they end at three. Not that the destinations are an issue, the relationship gets plain boring. Bollywood has been romancing too many foreign locations recently, making one wonder what happens to people who don’t globetrot. Do they never fall in love? Coming-of-age stories happen only out of India, or so it seems.

 

Writer and director Anu Menon fleshes out her characters well, they know what they want from life, are independent and on the path to achieving their dreams. Relatable when it comes to 20-somethings. But originality of the characters cannot be vouched for. Ali Zafar’s sing-song dialogue delivery is endearing, so is his screen presence. It’s easy to fall in love with the character he plays and the same goes to Aditi Rao Hydari, who’s playing a lead role for the first time. Their chemistry is stimulating. Even though the run time is under two hours, their love story hangs by a Velcro, never rising up to the challenge to stick in permanently.

 

You know there’s a problem when locations take a life of their own, belittling the effort of characters placed at their feet. Ali Zafar’s music is catchy, especially ‘Dekhne mein seedhi saadhi lagti’ song. Cinematographer Sameer Arya captures beautifully images of London, Paris and New York. If only they’d gone with unconventional landmarks, would it make a world of a difference to a story they’d like to believe  defies convention.

 

Worth a one time watch with a loved one only for the lead pair. Don’t expect too much, might break your heart the second time.